Sweden invests in thriving sleeper trains (GlobalRailNews)

Swedish train operator SJ has announced plans to refurbish its sleeper carriages and overhaul its booking system following a surge in demand for the long-distance services.

Over the last five years, passenger numbers on its Malmö to Stockholm services have increased by 100 per cent. There has also been growth on the Gothenburg-Stockholm-Umeå-Luleå-Kiruna-Narvi route, where passenger numbers have risen by 25 per cent.

This trend contrasts the situation across other parts of Europe where competition from budget airlines has resulted in sleeper services being withdrawn and demand appearing to decline.